To The Moon

After Trump reported that he would go to Detroit on September 27 to deliver a speech to the United Auto Workers.

US. President Biden announced on social media that he will join members of the United Auto Workers in Detroit on the picket line on Tuesday.

Biden likes to call himself the most pro-union president, and visiting striking workers — a highly unusual move for a president — is sure to send a strong message.

“On Tuesday, I will be heading to Michigan to join the picket lines in solidarity with the men and women of the UAW as they fight for the value they create,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Now is the time for a win-win deal , keeping the U.S. auto manufacturing industry thriving through good-paying UAW jobs."

Biden to join UAW pickets in Detroit as strike intensifies

UAW President Shawn Fain invited the president to join the picket line. When a reporter asked the president on Friday if he would do that, he asked in turn: "Will you come with me?"

Last week, the president said of the strike that companies had made "significant offers" but that more action was needed.

“Companies have made some significant offers, but I think it should go further — ensuring that record corporate profits mean record contracts,” Mr. Biden said.

The strike began after union leaders were unable to reach agreement on new contracts with Ford, General Motors and Stellantis. UAW workers want a 4-day, 32-hour work week in exchange for a 40-hour, five-day week and a hefty raise. Among other demands, they want more paid time off and pension benefits instead of a 401K savings plan.

The UAW announced Friday it would expand the strike to cover 38 General Motors and Stellantis parts distribution centers in 20 states. However, Ford is apparently not included in the expanded strike, as the two sides have engaged in active contract negotiations in recent days.

Currently, the two sides have great differences on workers' wages, benefits and other terms at the new energy vehicle battery factory, and expanding the strike may increase the pressure on General Motors and Stellantis.

As the election approaches, Biden has to emphasize his "pro-union" proposition, and he has therefore continued to call for workers to receive more benefits.

This is also Biden's soft submission to auto workers. Because of his environmental protection and electric vehicle policies, many workers are angry about the job losses caused by the transformation, and they have turned this anger into antipathy towards Biden, which is exactly what happened. It is one of the key points used by Trump to promote.

Caught between the economic losses caused by the strike and the worker vote in next year's election, Biden is struggling to find a balance, while his old rival Trump is still watching from the sidelines.